Designing with Love
Designing with Love
What does it take to design learning experiences that truly work? Join Jackie Pelegrin, award-winning instructional designer and Grand Canyon University (GCU) adjunct instructor, as she explores instructional design, e-learning, and AI integration. Expect actionable tips, real-world insights, and conversations with students, alumni, and industry leaders shaping the future of learning.
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Designing with Love

Designing with Love

Designing with love, purpose, and heart.

This show explores instructional design, e-learning, and how to incorporate AI technology into different aspects of the field.

Tune in for expert tips, real-world insights, and inspiring stories from students, alumni, and leaders in the field.

Recent Episodes

138
Aug. 2, 2026

Lead Without a Title With Darrell Williams

The fastest way to become a trusted leader isn’t getting promoted. It’s becoming the person people run to when something hurts, and you can help fix it. Jackie sat down with Darrell Williams, a master certified life coach and longtime military and federal leader, to translate high-pressure leadership into everyday skills for educators and instructional designers. We dig into why rank never guarantees someone’s best work, how culture and connection matter even more on remote teams, and what it l
137
July 29, 2026

Myth: Good Teaching Equals Good Instructional Design

Good teaching is powerful, but it can also hide a trap: when a class goes well, we assume the design must be strong. Jackie unpacks a common myth in instructional design and education that shows up everywhere from K-12 to corporate training and higher ed: good teaching equals good instructional design. They’re connected, but they’re not the same job, and confusing them can leave gaps in practice, assessment, accessibility, and real-world performance. We talk through why this belief has lasted s
136
July 26, 2026

Alumni Engagement That Works With Jennifer Cunningham

Most schools and nonprofits don’t have an “engagement problem” they have a follow-up problem. If you’ve ever gone to a campus event, felt a quick burst of nostalgia, and then never heard anything meaningful again, you’ve seen the gap firsthand. I sit down with alumni engagement and nonprofit consultant Jennifer Cunningham to unpack what actually turns a one-time attendee into a connected community member who mentors, hires, volunteers, advocates, and eventually gives back. Jennifer shares how a
135
July 22, 2026

Myth: Technology Automatically Improves Learning

A shiny new tool can feel like instant progress, but what if it quietly makes your course harder to learn? Jackie is tackling one of the most stubborn myths in instructional design and education: the idea that technology automatically improves learning. Whether you’re rolling out a new LMS, testing an AI content creation tool, or adding interactive features to eLearning, the real question isn’t “Is it modern?” It’s “Does it help learners do something meaningful?” Jackie breaks down why this bel

Recent Blog Posts

Aug. 2, 2026

Lead Without a Title With Darrell Williams

In today’s fast-paced educational environment, many educators and instructional designers find themselves leading teams and initiatives without formal authority. This can be challenging, but effective leadership is possible when you focus on buildin…
July 29, 2026

Good Teaching vs. Good Instructional Design: Understanding the Distinction

In the world of education, there is a common belief that good teaching automatically leads to effective instructional design. But is this really the case? In this blog post, we will debunk the myth that good teaching equals good instructional design…
July 26, 2026

Alumni Engagement That Works With Jennifer Cunningham

Engaging alumni effectively can be a daunting task for educational institutions and nonprofits. Many organizations struggle to turn initial interest into lasting involvement and investment. In this post, we'll explore five proven strategies to foste…

About the Host

Jackie Pelegrin Profile Photo
Jackie Pelegrin

Award-Winning Instructional Designer, College Professor, Consultant, and Podcast Host

Jackie, an Arizona native, leverages decades of experience as an award-winning instructional designer within both higher education and the corporate world. She holds an MBA and a Master of Science in Instructional Design and Technology, both acquired through online learning. In addition to her full-time role, Jackie serves as an award-winning adjunct instructor, teaching online courses at Grand Canyon University. During her leisure time, she delights in reading books across a range of genres, enjoying movies and TV shows, playing games, listening to uplifting music, and spending quality time with her family and friends.